What are the Most Popular Casino and Gambling Games?

USA – Texas Hold ‘Em 

It’s in the name of this one. Texas hold ‘em poker is the States’ biggest game and one of its finest exports in the world of gaming. Because of its position as a homegrown card game, it just about takes the title of being the casino game of the US. While slots and blackjack remain popular, these don’t have the location-specific allure that Texas hold ‘em does. Coupled with the high-roller tournaments like the World Series of Poker and the televised action that remains popular throughout the country and you have a behemoth of entertainment in a nation that isn’t short of competition.

Australia – Pokies AKA Slots

The Land Down Under is famous for its people’s love of their leisure time. Historically, that’s perhaps been focused more on the pub culture that pervades the country but this also goes hand in hand with its most popular form of gambling. Slot machines, known by Aussies as pokies, are a staple of the pubs, clubs, and casinos there. They have been the focus of increasing debate in recent years and legislation around them has changed, but they still take top spot for a nation that has boasted top poker competitions like the Aussie Millions.

United Kingdom – Bingo

Okay, it’s not a casino game as such. However, there’s no denying that bingo is king on the island of Great Britain. Though believed to initially have originated in Italy as the country’s early lottery, it was taken on board by the British, who built an entire industry around it that persists to this day. A trip around a town or city in the UK will take you past huge bingo halls that play host to hundreds of players every day who turn up and play sometimes for hours at a time. Furthermore, it was one of the games to make a highly successful leap online and a number of brands battled it out for the top spot.

France – Baccarat

Just across the channel from the UK, France has a storied history when it comes to gambling and casino gaming. In particular, baccarat is the nation’s biggest addition to the casino floor, even if some sources suggest that it was actually introduced in Italy. It did become a common pastime of the French nobility in the 1800s, though, and that is why it remains a popular game for people from the country. Played against a dealer, the aim is for the player to have a higher score from their cards to win. Not only is it incredibly famous in France – but the country has even contributed further variants of it ever since it was first popularized.

China – Pai Gow

Now this is more likely to be a game that few people from the West have knowledge of, especially if casinos aren’t their special interest. Played with 32 dominoes, pai gow is a game that is most popular in China but has made the leap across the water into North America and continues to grow as a pastime. It is another game that is played with a dealer, where players aim to beat them with their stack of dominoes. On top of this, there is even now a poker variation with the same name. It shows the growing enthusiasm for a game that may be new to many.

Gambling is a leisure industry that constantly changes and, in spite of logistical or legislative hurdles, is truly international. It’s a pastime that has touched every corner of the globe, especially as cultures have met and interacted with one another, sharing their games and their ideas. Because of that, every country and culture will have its own take on what you expect to find in a casino or gaming parlor. That variety in game type is what makes this an enduring industry that continues to revolutionize.